This section provides information, tools and resources for sport and activity organisations who are typically independent, self-appointed organisations.
This could include:
- Organisations who govern their sport through the common consent of their sport.
- Coordinating organisation that represents a group of smaller, independent bodies. This could include service providers, membership bodies, and franchises.
- Smaller independent sport and activity providers.
Examples might include yoga, dance, walking, wrestling and e-sports.
One of the strengths of the sport and physical activity sector is its diversity. Because there’s a vast array of activities to choose from, people from all walks of life can be part of an active nation.
Why is Safeguarding Adults Important?
Legislation and guidance has made safeguarding adults a priority for the sports and activity sector.
The Care Act 2014 put safeguarding adults on a statutory footing. If your organisation has regular contact with the public, you have a crucial role to play in the support, identification and reporting of adults who may be at risk of harm.
Your organisation has a duty of care that includes safeguarding children and people in a vulnerable situation. Individuals across your organisation need to be informed enough to ensure that they can properly identify and act upon complaints and concerns about adults.
You must actively work to prevent abuse from occurring within your organisation. Also, you must be prepared to respond proportionately to any cases of abuse and neglect.
Get An Essential Introduction to Safeguarding Adults With Our ResourcesYou can also watch this sort introductory video to safeguarding adults in sport, and why it matters:
Lead Safeguarding Officer Forum for Independent National Sport and Activity Organisations
The Ann Craft Trust hosts forum meetings for people who take on the Lead Safeguarding role in independent national sport and activity organisations who are not required by Sport England to complete the Safeguarding Adults Framework.
Our forums provide the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest safeguarding developments. They also act as a peer support network, and allow you to share best practice.
Read the Terms of Reference for the group here.
2024 Safeguarding Lead Forum Meeting Dates
Please note you will be asked to register for free via our training platform CourseSight before you can book you place.
- Tuesday 13 February :10 -11.30am
- Wednesday 22 May : 10 -11.30 am
- Thursday 19 September: 10 -11.30 am
- Tuesday 10 December : 10 -11.30 am
If you wish to attend any of these forum meeting click on the dates above to register or email Catherine.sykes@nottingham.ac.uk
Template Policy and Guidance Documents
We have developed a range of template safeguarding adults policies to meet different organisation structures.
Sports and Activity Governing or Umbrella Bodies not in receipt of Sport England or UK Sport Funding. A central, coordinating organisation which represents a group of smaller, independent bodies. This could include service providers, membership bodies, and franchises.
Download Safeguarding Policy Guidance for Governing or Umbrella Sport and Activity Organisations
Independent sport and activity clubs/groups. New, emerging or established types of sports and physical activities groups that are not exclusively governed by a single national governing body, or affiliated to an active partnership.
Download Safeguarding Adults Policy Template For Independent Sport and Activity Clubs or Groups
Find the relevant guidance documents below:
Individual Sole trader – This applies to an individual person running a private sport or activity business/project.
Download Safeguarding Policy Guidance For Sole Traders
Small Business – This applies to a small sports or activity business employing 2-3 people such as a local martial arts business.
Download Safeguarding Policy Guidance For Small Businesses
Constituted group – This applies to a community sport or activity group run by a committee who works to a set of rules, such as a constitution.
Download Safeguarding Policy Guidance For Constituted Groups
Training
We provide a range of training courses to match the training needs of different job roles.
We recommend that everyone completes our Introduction to Safeguarding Adults in Sport course.
After this, take a look a the Training Pathway to see where to go next.